Les Freres Guisse (the Brothers Guisse) originate from the Futa Tooro area in the North of Senegal. Their music is based on different rhythms of the Tukulor (also known as Toucouleur), such as the Yela, but the Guissé brothers prefer saying that their music is universal, for all ages and races.
Beautiful and sensitive and well rooted in the traditions of West Africa. Poetic lyrics and close harmony singing, two acoustic guitars and a variety of percussion.
With two acoustic guitars and a jembé, the three Guissé brothers mesmerize all the audiences they meet. Djiby’s and Cheikh’s voices swirl around the melodic guitar lines whilst Alioune quietly plays his percussion.
The story of the band began in 1988, when the brothers decided to start an acoustic venture. Djiby was fed up with electronic keyboards, and with the all-electric approach of the bands he’d played with so far: “We found it necessary to be self-sufficient, we needed a personal touch, an original sound“, says Djiby.
Their songs call to mind the difficulties of daily life, youngsters’ problems. “We put the emphasis on the melodies even though we know that Senegalese audiences react more to rhythms. In our music, guitars stick closely to the voices, and we just play what we feel.”
Recordings available:
Rich Mix
35 – 47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA
www.richmix.org.uk
BOX OFFICE:
020 7613 7498
UK Tour Dates
Thursday 17th March – The Picket- Liverpool
www.ticketweb.co.uk/ 08444 77 1000
in person: Dr Hermans, Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 or from RAGGAS, 57
Smithdown Road, Liverpool, L7
Friday 18th March – Rich Mix- London
0207 613 7498 –www.richmix.org.uk
Saturday 19th March – Tolbooth- Stirling
01786 274 000 – www.stilring.gov.uk/tolbooth
Sunday 20th March -The Compass Club at The Coliseum – Whitby
0845 373 2760 –www.musicportfestival.com
Tuesday 22nd March – MOMO – London
0207 434 40 40 40 –www.enchantedtunes.com
momoresto.com/restaurant/london/momo/live-at-momo/
Wednesday 23rd March – The West End Arts Centre – Aldershot
01252 330 040 – www3.hants.gov.uk/westendcentre
Thursday 24th March – Boxgrove Village Hall – Chichester
01243 774 641 & 01243 78 1312 www.wegottickets.com
www.rootsaroundtheworld.info
Friday 25th March – The Hawth – Crawley
01293 553 636 https://tickets.hawth.co.uk/public/
Saturday 26th March – Wem Town Hall – Shropshire
01939 238 279 – www.wemtownhall.co.uk
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central
